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Hazardous Air Pollution Grips Pacific Northwest Residents
8 Oct
Summary
- Thousands face unhealthy air quality in Washington and Oregon
- Sensitive groups advised to limit outdoor activities
- Pollution levels reach "unhealthy" range in some areas
On October 8, 2025, thousands of residents across portions of Washington and Oregon are facing potentially unhealthy levels of air pollution. According to a live map from the AirNow partnership, which includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the air quality has deteriorated to an "unhealthy" range in some areas.
Experts caution that the poor air quality heightens health risks for vulnerable populations, such as older adults, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses. The EPA mapping shows elevated levels of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution around Wenatchee in Washington's Chelan County as of approximately 8:15 a.m. ET. Additionally, a smaller pocket of polluted air was situated just south of Portland, Oregon, encompassing areas like Mulino and Liberal.
At this level of pollution, officials advise sensitive groups to avoid prolonged or intense outdoor activities and consider moving them indoors or rescheduling. The general public is also encouraged to take more breaks during outdoor pursuits to mitigate the health impacts.
